Ben Ezechime, Enugu
A private hospital, Praise and Grace Hospital and Maternity, Enugu, has detained Mrs Joan Orajiobi and her triplets over the family’s inability to pay delivery bill of N352,350.
Orajiobi, a native of Nnewi in Anambra, gave birth to two girls and a boy in the hospital in Enugu on New Year day.
The mother of triplets, who lives at Ologo Quarters, Uwani Enugu, said she had been discharged since January 8, but held by the hospital due to their inability to complete the hospital bill.
She said the hospital billed them a total of N482, 350, but that her husband was only able to pay N130, 000, remaining balance of N352, 350.
“The bill amounted to that because I gave birth through Caesarian Section (CS).
“I am a hair dresser. I have two girls already before this pregnancy came in May, but I never knew I was pregnant with triplets until the scan, which showed that l was carrying twins.
“I am pleading to Nigerians, organisations especially the governors of Enugu and Anambra states, to come to my rescue and assist us with financial support. I want to go home and take care my children.
“Anybody that is touched by our condition can reach and assist us through my husband’s Access Account Number 0043854232, Account Name: Nchekwube Orajiobi C. and his WhatsApp 08065846537,’’ she pleaded.
She added that she was always touched seeing other patients that came after them leaving the hospital while they were held because they could not pay.
The husband, Mr Cornelius Orajiobi, a trader, said they both hailed from Obiofia in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He said he was excited to have triplets but regretted that it would be difficult for him and his wife to take care of the babies in terms of feeding.
“Nigerians should please assist us because this gift is bigger than what we can cater for alone.
“The N130,000 I deposited came from friends and well-wishers while I borrowed some.
“Apart from the medical bill, I need what I will use to bring up these kids,’’ he pleaded.
When contacted, the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Shedrack Emeribe, told NAN that he operated on Orajiobi without a deposit from the family.
He added that it was after four days of the operation that her husband made deposit of N60,000 before making it up to N130,000.
He explained that all the things they were requested for the delivery were not provided, stressing that the hospital provided it for them.
“I told the husband to make initial deposit of N150,000 but he never paid a dime till few days after CS. But I have to save those lives,” he said.
He said that the bill of N482, 350 included surgery, theatre, drug fees and Hospital Services.
